Great Neck Accredited Homeschool Programs

The following information is for students who may be attending online accredited homeschool programs at SUNY Albany, or considering application.  Today, a friend posted an article from the NY Times Opinionator Blog on her FaceBook profile entitled, “The Crisis of the Humanities Officially Arrives,” by Stanley Fish. As Mr. Fish rightly points out – this has been a long time in the making.  The article was in response to a reader’s comment on the week’s previous article about Allen Ginsburg regarding higher learning. On October 11, 2010 Fish wrote:

“What he didn’t know at the time is that it had already happened, on Oct. 1, when George M. Philip, president of SUNY Albany, announced  that the French, Italian, classics, Russian and theater programs were getting the axe.”

Needless to say, a lot of FaceBook pontificating followed her post, including my own, but did not at the time reflect changes to SUNYs online homeschool programs.  None the less, as a habit, I always make sure to go to the source first before reaching conclusions based on newspaper articles – especially those in the Opinion section.  The school website specifically states that it is NOT cutting the arts and humanities – only downsizing after losing nearly $12 million in State assistance.  Further, over the past three years, the University has cumulatively lost more than $33.5 million in State funding cuts, which is more than 30 percent down from prior years.  Here is a direct quote from the SUNY Albany website:“[University] President Philip issued a directive today to suspend all new admissions to five program areas — Classics, French, Italian, Russian, and Theatre. This decision was based on an extensive consultative process with faculty, and in recognition that there are comparatively fewer students enrolled in these degree programs. The University will continue to offer a broad array of arts, humanities, and language courses in its curriculum.”

Based on the information available, online homeschool programs won’t be affected – at least this year. It’s a shame, but that is the reality; politicians and thieves have made sure of that. History has proven that a society or better yet – an individual cannot count on government for its enrichment.  For example, the Communists and Nazis funded and controlled the arts and humanities – expunging the essence HUMANITY from all expression.  While it is a bonus to get government backing, remember, the government funds programs from the tax dollars it collects.  I would rather see HUMANITY taken care of before the HUMANITIES.  I actually see this as an opportunity to increase opportunities and scholarships for homeschool programs.  Parents and students who pool their funds and resources should be less affected by changes in the economy and budget changes at institutions of higher learning.

Luckily, in a free society, we are able to pursue these studies and activities on our own and with similarly minded people.  Internet venues such as FaceBook are a wonderful platform from which to utilize our free expression. Unfortunately, economic conditions always dictate the funding of education programs and venues. However, if we look back to the Old Masters, philosophers, and historians, there was no public funding for such pursuits.  Jazz was not born with government funding – only mentoring and the hard work and talent of the individual.  In other words – if homeschool programs and mentoring was good enough for Rembrandt, then it should be fine for students today. As a matter of fact, none of the Beatles at their height knew how to read music.  It is up to individuals and guilds to find funding and support the arts and humanities. In my opinion, that is far better than relying on government to dictate what it will and will not fund.

While, yes, I did benefit from public funding (I hold 3 degrees in the arts and humanities), if I had to do it again, I would definitely prefer homeschool programs over attending classes, which often bored me.  My greatest accomplishments were derived by my own hard work and mentoring from individuals. Additionally, I admit that the downhill spiral of funding for the arts and humanities has hindered my ability to make a living in academic institutions, privately I can pursue a living and privately I can create until my heart’s content.  It is up to me and all of us, with the help of God, to find the courage and strength to make the effort.  If I die in poverty, it will not be because of lack of public funding of higher education.

Written by Brenne Meirowitz, BA, MA, MS
© 2010-2011 Brenne Meirowitz.  All Rights Reserved.